Man Utd could be banned from Champions League if Sir Jim Ratcliffe's UEFA plan fails

Manchester United could be banned from the Champions League next season if Sir Jim Ratcliffe's proposed plan fails, according to a new report.

United are currently sixth in the Premier League table, and sit five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa with 13 games to go.

They could finish fifth and still ensure Champions League qualification through England's 2023/24 UEFA coefficient ranking - but that method is still currently far from secure.

Another issue has cropped up in recent weeks, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS set to take over a 25 per cent share in the club and assume control of footballing operations.

While the British billionaire is already making positive moves, including the appointment of former Manchester City chief Omar Berrada as the club's new chief executive officer, there is one hurdle that may need to be jumped over.

That is because INEOS currently hold a majority share in Ligue 1 side Nice - who currently sit in third place in France's top division and are on course for Champions League qualification next season.

Should both Nice and United qualify for Europe's top competition, UEFA ownership rules state that only one of them can be registered to play in it.

That would only go against United if their finishing position is below Nice's. If they finish in the same position, United would qualify as England are the top nation on UEFA's 'access list'.

According to The Athletic, Ratcliffe is aware of the potential issue that could arise should both teams qualify for the Champions League, and it has been 'on the radar' since early negotiations with the Glazer family over acquiring a stake in United.

However, the report adds that the British billionaire's team are 'committed to sitting down with UEFA to find a solution' which works for both clubs and football's governing body.

As a result, therefore, if a solution cannot be found and the hypothetical nightmare does indeed come true, there may be yet more hurdles to jump over for Ratcliffe and INEOS.